Switch for electric flashlights



Oct 27, 1936.

c E. PRYOR SWITCH FOR ELECTRIC FLASHLIGHTS Filed Nov. 18, 1951 INVENTOR(Havana E. Prgor BY 5% ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 27, 1936 UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE 10 Claims.

My present invention relates to electric lamp devices and moreparticularly to an improved switch mechanism therefor.

In the ordinary electric lamp device of the portable type adapted to bemanipulated by one hand, the switch mechanism is usually of the pushbutton type or of a combined push button and slide type. When the pushbutton type is utilized to make the circuit to allow current to passthrough the lamp, such current will flow only as long as the push buttonis depressed, whereas in the push button and slide type the push buttonmay be held depressed by a sliding movement thereof longitudinally ofthe case after it has been moved into operative position to close thiscircuit through he lamp bulb. Such prior devices are open to theolvaction that it is necessary either to constantly maintain pressure onthe push button or hold the device in the hand 20 after a rathercomplicated movement of the switch mechanism has taken place and ineither event no means is ordinarily provided for hold-= ing the handlamp other than in the hand. Various attempts have been made recently toavoid this difficulty, devices for this purpose taking the form of aloop attached to the usual end cap. This form, however, is notsatisfactory as it is necessary to hold the hand lamp in a. positionabove that where the light is directed in order to be able to utilizethe light.

In my present invention, I have obviated the objections of prior devicesof this character and have devised a switch which is extremely positivein its action and is free from the referred to and other disadvantagesof the prior art.

My switch, preferably, has combined with its operating element a hook bymeans of which the entire hand lamp may be hung up in any one of aplurality of positions ranging from horizontal 40 to vertical. Incarrying out this feature of my invention, I preferably employ aneccentric cam member which may be mounted on the device as an integralpart of the switch mechanism; such cam device is operated by a lever orequivalent structure which is easily rotated from non-operative tooperative position, and vice versa, even by the hand of the user thatholds the lamp device.

I also preferably associate with the operating 50 lever and which formsan integral part of such lever, a hook or other like member by means ofwhich the entire lamp structure may be suspended from a support in anyone of a plurality of positions, the position of the operating leverwith respect to the center of gravity of the lamp device being such asto maintain the contact 'closed while so held.

Another feature of my invention is an improved form of holding devicefor contact spring or like member, such structure comprising essentiallya plurality of parallelly arranged bands formed of the material of theouter casing and extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of theeasing and which may be utilized to either hold the spring contactmember in rigid position or to form a bearing for the contact membershould it be desired to slide the same into and out of engagement withthe usual reflector to make and break the circuit through the lamp bulbfilament.

Further features and objects of the invention will be more fullyunderstood from the following detail description and the accompanyingdrawing, in which Fig. 1 is an elevation of one embodiment of myinvention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation on line 2-2 oi. Fig. l, which shows theswitch lever in normal or nonoperative position;

Fig. 3 is a detail view of a portion of Fig. 2,

showing the operating lever in an operative posi tion;

Fig. 4 is a vertical section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 2, showing another embodimentof my device;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of one end of Fig. 5.

Referring to the drawing, II] designates the casing which is usuallycylindrical in form, although it may be of any form desired; the casingmay be made of any desired material, although preferably, the casing ismade of conductive metal which is usually ornamented as desired. Thecasing I0 is usually threaded at each end as indicated by the referencenumerals I I and I2, respectively; there is provided a front open end orcap member I3 threaded to cooperate with the threads I I and which isalso utilized to securely fasten a reflector I4 in position within theopen front end of the casing, a lens I5 being interposed between themember I3 and the reflector I4. Also, the outer rim of the open end ofthe casing I0, when of conducting material, is provided with aninsulating washer I 6 which, as will be apparent, electrically insulatesthe metallic reflector I4 from the metallic casing ID. The reflector I4has secured therein the usual electric lamp I! provided with a filamentI8; one end of such filament I8 is electrically connected through theouter metallic contact shell I9 of such lamp, with the reflector I 4.Disposed within the casing I 0, are one or more electric cell units 20and 2|; the number of electric cell units employed depends upon the sizeand type of the casing and on the desired voltage to be applied on thelamp bulb |1.

These electric cell units may be ordinary dry cells of which the centralcathode 22 of the cell II, as shown, is in electrical engagement withthe center contact 23 of the lamp bulb l1 and is thus connected to theother end of the filament it. The usual zinc casing of each electriccell unit 20 and 2|, forms the anode thereof and the anode of theelectric cell unit 20 is electrically connected to the cathode 23 of theelectric cell unit 2 l. The end cap 24 is threaded on the threading i2of the casing Hi, the end cap being preferably of conducting material,and fitting within and abutting against the bottom of such cap 24 is acompression spring 23 which engages with the bottom of the cathode ofthe electric cell unit 2| to thereby electrically connect the cathode ofthe cell 2| with the casing ill.

Secured to the casing III in any convenient manher, as by rivets 23, isa hollow box-like structure 21, the open end or side of which liesadlacent to the surface of the casing l3. Mounted in the side walls ofthe structure 21 are tubular bearing members 23 which, when the casingin is made of conducting metal, is preferably of insulating material.Rotatably mounted in such bearing members 23 is a shaft 23 providedintermediate its ends and within the box-like structure 21 with a cammember 3|]. Preferably formed integral with the shaft 22 at one endthereof is an open lever 3| which as noted from an inspection of Fig. 1,may extend around a portion of two sides and one end of the boxstructure 21. This member 3| may serve as a hook and by means of whichthe casing I II and all parts associated therewith may be suspended inany one of a plurality of different positions. If desired, and referringspecifically to Fig. 6, this member 3| may have attached thereto orformed integral therewith an additional hook member 32 which also servesas a means for suspending the casing it. The member 32 in the normal ornon-operative position of the lever 3| as shown in Fig. 6, lies closelyadjacent to the surface of the casing It.

In the wall of the casing l0, and within that portion protected by thebox-like structure 21 and in any convenient arrangement with respect tothe cam 30 is a plurality of parallel slots 33 defining a plurality ofparallelly arranged bands 33a some of which, as is clearly apparent froman inspection of Figs. 2 and 3 are bent upwardly and others are bentdownwardly to thereby provide a simple mounting for the contact strip34. Such conducting strip is covered with insulating material 33, whichinsulating material therefore prevents the contact strip 34 from beingin electrical engagement with the casing ||l when the latter is ofconducting material. After the contact strip 34 has been mounted, theparallel strips 33a formed by the slots 33 are pressed firmly intoengagement with the insulation 33 on the contact strip 34.

As shown in Fig. 2, one end of the contact strip 34 is associated withthe cam 3|) so that such cam when in the position shown in Fig. 2 is outof engagement with such contact strip 34. The other end of such contactstrip 34 is in constant good electrical contact engagement with theouter surface of the refiector I4 as clearly shown in Fig. 2. Under suchconditions therefore, no current from the electric cell units 20 and 2|passes through the filament It 01 the lamp bulb l1.

Upon rotating the lever 3| to rotate the shaft 29 to move the cam 30from the position shown in Fig.2 to the position where the cam 30engages the end of the contact strip 34, and the lever 3| engages themember 21, as into the position shown in Fig. 3, the electric circuit iscompleted, assuming the two illustrated cell units 20, 2|, from theanode of the electric cell unit 2| through the compression spring 25,end cap 24, casing Ill, member 21, lever 3|, cam 30, contact spring 34,reflector |4, outer casing is of the electric lamp bulb l1, the filamentIS, the center contact 23 of the lamp bulb l1, cathode 22 of electriccell unit 20, anode thereof, cathode 22a of the electric cell unit 2|.The circuit through the filament It remains closed until the lever 3| ismoved to such a position as to bring the cam 33 out of engagement withthe end of the spring contact 34 or to the position shown in Fig. 2.

The embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, comprises partscorresponding to those illustrated in the foregoing figures andhereinabove described, and like parts are designated by like referencecharacters. However, in Fig. 5, the bands 33a are arranged in staggeredrelation so as to define a passage through which may slide the contactstrip 40. This strip 4|) is provided with insulation 4| throughout themajor portion of its length, and it will be noted that such insulation4| protects the strip 43 from contact with the bands 33a or otherwisewith the metallic casing Ill. One end 42 of the strip 4| is adapted tobe displaced into and out of electric engagement with the reflector 4 tothereby make and break at will the circuit through the lamp l1. Theother end 43 of the strip is formed as an eye or equivalent whichengages with a cam or crank 44 or equivalent, formed on a shaft 45. Thisshaft 45 is rotatably mounted in bearings formed in the side plates of aswitch cover 46 secured to the casing l by rivets 41 or in any otherdevised manner. In this form of my invention, the insulating bearingsleeves 23 may be dispensed with.

Secured to or formed integral with the shaft 45 is a combined lever andsuspending hook, the lever portion being designated 3| and the hookportion 32.

The form of my invention illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 may be utilizedas a means for testing lamps, fuses, or the like in the followingmanner: The lamp 50 or other electrical device to be tested is placedwith one of its terminals, as its center terminal in engagement with themember 21, and the lever 3| then rotated so asto be brought intoengagement with the threaded shell terminal 52 of the lamp 50. Thismovement also rotates the shaft 29 so as to bring the cam 30 intoengagement with the adjacent end of the contact strip 34, whilemaintaining the lever out of engagement with the member 21. The circuitthrough the filament ll of the flash light lamp I1 is completed andlighted, provided the tested lamp is in good order. Also, the filamentof the tested lamp 50, if in good order, is lighted. However, if thefilament or other electrical circuit part of the tested lamp 50 andcorrespondingly for other electrical devices to be tested, is not ingood order, the fiash light lamp l1 will not be lighted.

The circuit during the testing of the lamp 50 is as follows: From theanode of the electric cell unit 2|, compression spring 25, end cap 24,casing Hi, member 21, terminal 5|, filament of lamp 5|l threaded shellterminal 52, lever 3|, cam 30, contact strip 34, reflector l4, shellterminal l9, filament I8, center terminal 23, cathode 22 of electriccell unit 20, anode thereof, cathode 22a of electric cell unit 2|.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the body portion Inof the casing may be electrically non-conducting material, and in suchinstance, a strip of wire interconnecting the switch housing 21 with therear end cap 24 or equivalent for the electrical connection with theanode of the electric cell unit or units, in substitution'of theelectrical connection afforded by the metallic material of the casing.In such embodiment of my invention, the insulated bearings 28 areomitted, to provide electrical connection between the lever 3| and theswitch housing 21.

While I have illustrated and described certain preferred embodiments ofmy invention somewhat in detail, it is to be understood that I may varythe device without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. In a switch device, the combination of a casing, a displaceableconductor having an exposed end, a switch arm movably and insulatedlymounted in the casing, said movable switch arm embodying a portion ofelectrically conducting material, and circuit means arranged to effectcircuit closure with a source of current at a predetermined position ofsaid movable switch arm through its said conducting portion, said switcharm being coordinated to effect circuit opening at a position of itsmovement other than said predetermined position.

2. In a switch device, the combination of a casing, a displaceableconductor having an exposed end, a switch arm movably and insulatedlymounted in the casing, said movable switch arm embodying a portion ofelectrically conducting material, said electrically conducting portionbeing electrically connected to said conductor and serving to displacesaid conductor, and circuit means arranged to effect circuit closurewith a source of current at a predetermined position of said movableswitch arm through its said conducting portion, said switch arm beingcoordinated to effect circuit opening at a position of its movementother than said predetermined position.

3. In a switch device, the combination of a casing, a displaceableconductor having an exposed end, a switch arm movably and insulatedlymounted in the casing, said movable switch arm embodying a cam portionof electrically conducting material, and circuit means arranged toeffect circuit closure with a source of current at a predeterminedposition of said movable switch arm through its said conducting portion,said switch arm being coordinated to effect circuit opening at aposition of its movement other than said predetermined position.

4. In a switch device, the combination of a casing, a displaceableconductor having an exposed end, a switch arm movably and insulatedlymounted in the casing, said movable switch arm embodying a cam portionof electrically conducting material, said electrically conductingportion being electrically connected to said conductor and serving todisplace said conductor, and circuit means arranged to effect circuitclosure with a source of current at a predetermined position of saidmovable switch arm through its said conducting portion, said switch armbeing coordinated to effect circuit opening at a position of itsmovement other than said predetermined position.

5. In a switch device, the combination of a casing, a conductor havingan exposed end, a switch arm movably and insulatedly mounted in thecasing, said movable switch arm embodying a portion of electricallyconducting material, cir cuit means arranged to effect circuit closurewith a source of current at a predetermined position of said movableswitch arm through its said conducting portion, said switch arm beingcoordinated to effect circuit opening at a position of its movementother than said predetermined position, and means carried by saidmovable switch arm for holding said switch arm in said predeterminedposition and suspending said casing and its stated associated elements.I

6. In a switch device, the combination of a casing, a displaceableconductor having an exposed end, a switch arm movably and insulatedlymounted in the casing, said movable switch arm embodying a portion ofelectrically conducting material, circuit means arranged to effectcircuit closure with a source of current ata predetermined position ofsaid movable switch arm through its said conducting portion, said switcharm being coordinated to effect circuit opening at a position of itsmovement other than said predetermined position, and means carried bysaid movable switch arm for holding said switch arm in saidpredetermined position and suspending said casing and its statedassociated elements.

'7. In a switch device, the combination of a casing, a displaceableconductor having an exposed end, a switch arm movably and insulatedlymounted in the casing, said movable switch arm embodying a portion ofelectrically conducting material, said electrically conducting portionbeing electrically connected to said conductor and serving to displacesaid conductor, circuit means arranged to effect circuit closure with asource of current at a predetermined position of said movable switch armthrough its said conducting portion, said switch arm being coordinatedto effect circuit opening at a position of its movement other than saidpredetermined position, and means carried by said movable switch arm forholding said switch arm in said predetermined position and suspendingsaid casing and its stated associated elements.

8. In a switch device for portable flash lights having a body and asource of current encased therein, the combination of a casing mountedon the body, a shaft rotatably mounted in the casing, insulatingbushings in which the shaft is directly mounted to insulate the shaftfrom the casing, a contact cam member on said shaft, a switch armsecured to the end of the shaft and adapted, upon rotation of the shaft,to engage with the casing, and a conductor having an end lying in thepath of rotation of the contact cam member, whereby engagement of thecam member with the conductor at a predetermined point in the rotationof the shaft completes the circuit from the conductor to the casingthrough the switch arm.

9. In a switch device the combination of a casing, a conductor having anexposed end lying within the casing, a movable switch arm, insulatedbearings for said movable switch arm secured to the casing andinsulating the movable switch arm from the casing, a cam body portion ofelectrically conducting material formed integral with said movableswitch arm and arranged adjacent to and in operative relation withrespect to the exposed end of the conductor, and circuit means arrangedto effect circuit closure through the casing with a source 01 current ata predetermined position oi said movable switch arm with respect to thecasing through the said conducting portion, said switch am beingcoordinated to eflect circuit opening at a position of its movementother than at said predetermined position.

10. In a switch device, the combination of a casing, a conductor havingan exposed end 1ying within the casing, a movable switch arm, insulatingbearings tor said movable switch arm secured to the casing andinsulating the movable switch arm from the casing, a cam portion ofelectrically conducting material formed integral with said movableswitch arm adjacent to and in operative relation with respect to theexposed end 01 the conductor, and circuit means arranged to eflectcircuit closure through the casing with a source of current at apredetermined position of said movable switch arm with respect to saidcasing through the said conducting portion, said switch arm beingcoordinated to effect circuit opening at a position of its movementother than said predetermined position, said electrically conductingportion at the stage of circuit opening being spaced from the exposedend of said conductor.

CLARENCE E. PRYOR.

